MARTHA OHLIGER
Born and raised in St. Albans, Vermont, I have lived my whole life in northern Vermont. While I didn't get a traditional college education, over the years I have taken art classes whenever the opportunity came along. I am a member of the Essex Art League and Northern Vermont Artist Association and have gained a lot of knowledge and advice from the other members.
I use traditional oils, working in a realistic manner. Years ago, noticing that there were so many exceptional landscape painters around, I turned to still lifes. I began painting dishes and household goods, and was surprised at the positive reaction of people who saw them. I realized that people looked at these familiar objects with affection and nostalgia, so I began to explore the relationship between people and the things they value. We collect things and buy souvenirs to help us remember good times. My paintings are a reminder that the rural character of Vermont never prevented people from appreciating beauty as well as function. I have also been influenced by the surrealist artists of the 1920’s. I like to surprise viewers with a bit of whimsy or something unexpected. And I sometimes add a bit of landscape into a still life to reflect my love of the outdoors.
A few years ago, in part because of my inability to throw anything away, I began doing collages and assemblage pieces. I generally work with fabric or paper, but anything - wood, metal, plastic - can find its way into a piece.
I use traditional oils, working in a realistic manner. Years ago, noticing that there were so many exceptional landscape painters around, I turned to still lifes. I began painting dishes and household goods, and was surprised at the positive reaction of people who saw them. I realized that people looked at these familiar objects with affection and nostalgia, so I began to explore the relationship between people and the things they value. We collect things and buy souvenirs to help us remember good times. My paintings are a reminder that the rural character of Vermont never prevented people from appreciating beauty as well as function. I have also been influenced by the surrealist artists of the 1920’s. I like to surprise viewers with a bit of whimsy or something unexpected. And I sometimes add a bit of landscape into a still life to reflect my love of the outdoors.
A few years ago, in part because of my inability to throw anything away, I began doing collages and assemblage pieces. I generally work with fabric or paper, but anything - wood, metal, plastic - can find its way into a piece.
